"Whew! That was a close one, eh Snape?" Severus opened his eyes to find himself on a bed in St. Mungo's. To his eternal joy, Sirius Black was perched on the edge of his bed, watching gleefully as he tried to make sense of what happened.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" he rasped.
"Ah, my dear Snape, that is the question, is it not? Why am I here? Why do you think I'm here?"
Bugger. "Because I'm dead and you want to taunt me with that fact?" He sat up, scowling at Black. "At least I got to resolve things with Hermione, so nothing you say can affect me, you mangy mutt!"
"Whoa, Severus, I'm not here to taunt anyone. Although, if Pettigrew were still alive…"
"Get on with it, Black."
"Actually, I'm just here to check up on you. Make sure you're not going to be an idiot about this Marriage Law repeal thing."
"Gee, thanks," Severus said dryly. "I am overwhelmed by your incredible confidence."
"Oh cut the crap, Snape. You and I both know that you were thinking about telling Hermione she would be better off with someone else, like Harry, and pushing her away like you usually do."
"I…" He hated to admit it, but the dog was right. As soon as he saw the Death Eaters, it occurred to him that she and their child would be off with someone else. That maybe he had been premature in taking his grandmother's ring from the vault.
"See? You're an idiot."
"You're not helping, Black."
"Now, tell me why you think she'll be safer with Harry, the man who defeated Voldemort?"
"Potter is not a mere two steps away from being thought of as the Scourge of the Wizarding world, nor is he the Great Traitor to the purebloods." He gave Sirius an unusually vulnerable look. "She will never be safe with me, nor will our child."
Sirius sighed, frustrated at the dark wizard's foolishness. "Look, Snape, she's always going to be hunted in one way or another. She's either the best friend and love of the Man Who Defeated Voldemort, or the wife of the former Death Eater spy. Beyond that, she's Muggle-born, smarter than most pure-bloods in the world, and is unapologetic about her viewpoints. Not to mention the fact that she was one of the three that defeated He Who is Now Dead as a Doornail. She deserves to make her own choice of what she will do with her life and who she will do it with." He placed a hand on Snape's shoulder. "Don't be a fool and push it all away without giving her a chance."
Severus was surprised at his old enemy's insight. Hermione was a strong-willed woman who would never truly be accepted by Wizarding society. Fortunately, it would only bother her on rare occasions, especially with him, and she would still have Potter as her best friend and confident. The boy loved her enough to be happy with whatever choice she made, and while he would be a wonderful father, he would not necessarily be the husband that Hermione needed. Sometimes she needed someone to take care of her in ways that would never occur to Potter.
His eyes swept the room, stopping at the sight of his sleeping wife. She held his hand tightly, like she was afraid he would leave her while she rested. The sight tugged at his heart. She loved him. He suddenly grinned. She loved him! It was as if the world suddenly lit up like Dumbledore's robes. Hermione Snape nee Granger loved him and he would be damned if he let her out of his life. He was going to give her his grandmother's ring and if she stayed with him, he would spend every day of the rest of his life making sure she knew how intelligent, beautiful, and amazing she was.
He did not need to glance back at Sirius to know he was smirking. He could feel the arrogance from where he stood.
"Very well, Black. You are… correct. I cannot leave my wife and the mother of my child. I would be… remiss… in my…"
Sirius slapped him on the back. "Oh stifle it, you old bat. You love her and you want to spend the rest of your creepy life with her." He flashed Snape a broad grin. "My work here is done, Snape. It will be some time before I see you again." The smiling wizard held out his hand. "Good luck, Severus."
Severus gripped it firmly, silently offering thanks and forgiveness for everything Black had done. "Try not to cause too much trouble in the afterlife, Bl... Sirius. I'd prefer not to have an endless array of pranks to look forward to." He hesitated, but only for the slightest of moments. "Thank you."
With a tip of his nonexistent hat, Sirius walked toward the door, whistling cheerfully. He paused, flashing Snape another smirk, and then waved his wand. Severus found himself back in his body, groaning at the amount of pain he felt from his injuries.
Suddenly he was engulfed in a tangle of soft limbs and unruly hair.
"Severus!" cried Hermione, as she wrapped herself around his prone form. "Oh god, Severus, I was afraid… you're all right… oh please be all right… I love you…"
Her sobbing tears struck him to the heart as he realized how much his near death had hurt her. Never again, he promised, hugging her tightly. "Shhhhh. I'm here, love. I am not going anywhere." His long-fingered hands stroked her hair soothingly, gently coaxing her to release all the pent-up emotion from the past few days.
Out in the hallway, Harry watched as his best friend and husband were reunited, smiling softly at her unrestrained emotions. She had been on the quick road to a serious meltdown since she almost left Snape, and it warmed his heart to see the two reunited. Black eyes met his, and it was with shock that Harry realized Snape's mental shields were down, leaving him open for the first time since Harry met him. Knowing he could never betray Hermione's trust, Harry simply nodded, acknowledging that the time had come for the two of them to end the undeclared war between them.
Harry turned away, confident that his best friend was in good hands, and willing himself to leave his impossible dream behind. Hermione was his life, and as long as she was happy, he was content. The road to his own happiness would be long, but he was confident that someday, he would find what Severus and Hermione possessed at last. He paused for a moment, thinking he felt a comforting hand on his shoulder, but no one was there, and he continued on, alone.
Several days later, the hospital released Severus Snape to return home to Hogwart's. Hermione could hardly contain her excitement, amusing her husband who noticed her fidgeting near the door, eyeing him as he packed up the unexpected gifts and cards. It was nearly overwhelming to see the outpouring of care given him by the Weasleys, Hogwarts' staff, several members of the Potions Guild, former students, and assorted others he would never have imagined. It brought his mind back to his funeral, reminding him that he was not nearly as alone as he always thought.
Potter had been scarce these past few days, but as Severus packed the final gift, the young wizard strolled in chatting with Healer Brommel.
The matron smiled upon seeing him. "Ah, Severus. I see you are prepared to leave us."
"Not for the want of your company, Healer. I merely wish to return home with my wife."
She smiled indulgently. "Of course you do, dear. That's why I'm here to check you out. Now lift up your shirt… there's a good lad." Severus winced as she poked him a few times with her wand, his chest and back still sore from Avery's curse. He hated to imagine what the damage must look like.
"It's healing well. You just continue applying that salve for the next two weeks, Master Snape, and you'll be as good as new in no time."
"Thank you, Healer Brommel. I appreciate your efforts." He nodded formally to the matron.
"Oh, never you mind, Master Snape. It was your potion that did most of the work. I merely cleaned up some things." She winked. "That little brew of yours might make it possible for me to finally visit my sister in Australia. Now take care of yourself, lad, and that pretty wife of yours."
Hermione and Severus exchanged a loving glance. "I will, madam."
Harry strolled over and picked up the box of Snape's things. "So are we ready to blow this popsicle stand?"
Hermione chuckled at her husband's confounded look, linking her arm with his. "Let's go."
The three of them returned to Hogwart's, and to Severus' irritation, Harry and Hermione ganged up on him to make sure he continued to rest for the next few days, as the healer ordered. Hermione offered to teach Potions while the professor was 'indisposed', having built him a comfortable nest of pillows and blankets on their bed, with a shelf of self-renewing books for him to read while she was in class.
It only took two tedious days for Severus to reach the limits of his patience, especially since the Wizengamot was still deliberating over the Marriage Law issue. Dumbledore was conspicuous in his absence, which worried the recovering wizard a great deal. His fear was that the fallout from the situation would lead the Wizengamot to create some other ridiculous rule that would prevent him and his wife from remarrying. Despite what Healer Brommel said, the verdict was still undetermined.
Hopeful that things would go the way he wished, however, Severus spent the next few days of his week-long enforced rest period working on what he was going to do once the decision was reached. If he only had until midnight the same day to renew his vows, then by god he was going to make sure she received the best ceremony he could give her. Ginny Malfoy was invaluable in his plans, aiding him in his arrangements while keeping them secret from his frighteningly brilliant wife.
By the time the Wizengamot made their decision, Severus was ready.
Severus lay abed reading the latest American Potions Journal when a Ministry owl swooped in and dropped a scroll on the bed. An unexpected feeling of dread washed over him as he reached for the parchment that held the shape of his future. Despite expecting the news, his hand was still shaking as he picked it up.
Professor Severus Salazar Snape, Hogwart's Potion's Master
We are pleased to inform you that the Muggle-born/Pure-blood Marriage Act has been repealed. Thanks to the efforts of the United States and several other countries, it is no longer necessary to require the births of half-bloods. As a result, the Act has been rescinded and all couples married because of it are free to dissolve or renew their marriage vows as they see fit. Annulments will be granted at the behest of one partner, but both must be willing for a renewal. Renewals must take place within two weeks to be valid. Arrangements will be made for the joint custody of any children resulting in the marriage.
Please inform this office of your intentions within one week of receiving this letter.
Glenda Harris
The Ministry Office of Marital Affairs
A broad grin broke out on Severus' face as he realized he would have the chance to implement his most extravagant plan. Quickly sending a note off to the Malfoys, he began to make the preparations necessary. Hermione was going to love this. Hopefully.
Meanwhile, Hermione's Potions class had been interrupted by the intrusion of a Ministry owl bearing the same letter. Her stomach twisted when she read it, her emotions at odds with the thoughts in her head. Severus made it quite clear to her that he was not interested in a divorce, but that did not make it any easier to think about the dissolution of their marriage. Her eyes fell to the plain gold band on her finger. After three years, the metal had dulled and was covered in scratches. She knew he bought it at a jewelry store in Hogsmeade, paying as little money as possible while getting something that did not look completely cheap. It still held the iridescent sheen from their ceremony, she thought with a smile. It was nice to know the magic still held strong despite everything.
"Heh hem. Professor Granger?"
Hermione looked up, startled. He class stared back at her, some gazing worriedly at the scroll in her hands. She had forgotten completely about them. "Oh! I'm… er… sorry. Yes, now where were we?" Placing the scroll on her desk, she picked up her notes and continued the lecture. "Salamander bile is commonly found in Brazil in the northern mountains. It is particularly valuable in burn salves, for obvious reasons, but can also be used as part of what? Miss Greenburry?"
The rest of her classes continued uninterrupted, but Hermione's thoughts were barely on topic. Instead, she was mentally making her plans to inform Severus of her desire to remain with him. Admittedly, he no doubt got the message by her reaction to his injuries, but she still wanted to do something extravagant to let him no in no uncertain terms that she loved him without reservation. Plans flickered in and out of her mind all day, some rejected and others becoming part of what evolved into a "to do" list of things to do for her husband. Between classes, she sent off an owl to Ginny, requesting that she find some way to get Severus away from the school for a few hours. A brief 'Okay' was all she received, but it was enough. By the time class ended, she was ready.
Hermione rushed back to the chambers she shared with Severus, intent on implementing her plan. A short note was placed on the squat oak table near the door, and the rooms were dark and deserted. Heart racing, she picked up the note. 'Hermione, you have two hours until Severus returns. Ginny.' A brilliant smile lit her face and she whipped out her wand, quickly moving the furniture and transforming the living area into a softly lit romantic setting perfect for her intentions. Racing about, she levitated candles, selected music, and carefully laid out the array of desserts helpfully provided by the house elves. Tall, elegant flutes and champagne completed the scene, and it was with great satisfaction that she regarded her work.
"He's going to love this," she murmured.
Hermione was pleased he would finally see the beautiful amber nightgown she wore for him years ago. A small part of her mind remembered the end result of that attempted seduction, but she felt it was a good way to move beyond the past and embrace a future with Severus. Her lips curved into a wicked smirk. Besides, she wanted to see his face when he saw her in it.
Her preparations for the room took only a half hour, but she still rushed about, knowing it would take longer to beautify herself. Severus' voice chastised her mentally for the thought. However, even he had to admit that while he thought her naturally beautiful, it took a great deal of effort to wrestle the unruly mass of her hair into something truly spectacular.
Meanwhile, Severus Snape was running all over Hogsmeade quickly gathering the long list of items given him by the Malfoys for tonight's ceremony. He had hoped to be back to his rooms by the time she was out of class, but the machinations of the wily Mrs. Malfoy prevented that, leaving him frustrated and annoyed that he would not be there. His intentions were to drop to his knees immediately after kissing his wife in greeting, and ask her to marry him, tonight, for all time. Now he would have to figure out a better way to bring the topic into conversation. Perhaps over dinner...
Two hours later found Severus standing in front of his own door, nervous unlike anything he experienced before. He wryly observed that when one took into consideration his former occupation as a spy against Voldemort, it spoke very loudly of the importance of this moment. A pale hand reached down to reassuringly pat the small bulge of the ring box in his pocked, while the other tightly gripped a magnificent floral arrangement designed by the Potion's master himself. Nodding in readiness, he took a deep breath and opened the door, stepping into darkness.
As soon as the warning wards went off outside the room, Hermione extinguished the lights, taking her place at the center of her arrangement. The door opened and the tall form of her husband (to be?) stepped through, carrying what appeared to be an elaborate bouquet of flowers. She smiled at his thoughtfulness as the door closed, activating the enchantment on the candles and bathing the room with a soft golden light.
Severus' heart nearly stopped as he gazed upon the angelic visage of his wife. She was wearing the beautiful amber nightgown he remembered from his vision, her hair piled atop her head in a style reminiscent of their wedding. Her amber jewelry sparkled in the dim light. Glowing candles floated around the room, which appeared to be empty of furniture. Instead, there lay a thick, blue rug at the center of the room upon which sat a large silver tray bearing two crystal flutes, champagne, and an assortment of fruits and deserts. The only thing missing from that tray, he thought, were the oysters. He smirked at the thought of what fun they could have with the bowl of liquid chocolate.
Hermione stepped forward to place a gentle kiss on his lips. "Hello, Severus."
"Hermione." He gently touched the amber necklace she wore, his wondering eyes meeting hers. "You look stunning, my dear. These flowers are a mere shadow of your beauty, but I hope you like them."
She smiled, eyes twinkling with joy. "They're perfect, Severus. Thank you." A flick of her hand propelled the bouquet across the room and into a crystal vase. Severus pulled her closer.
"Wandless magic, my darling? Truly you are a witch of amazing talents." He kissed her deeply. His starry-eyed wife stared at him for a few moments after they parted, the need for patience warring with her desire for the smoldering-eyed wizard. It was all she could do to restrain herself.
Mentally following the script for the evening, Hermione gently stroked his face before gliding gracefully over to the thick carpet. "Dinner, my love?" she asked, eying him longingly. It had been far too long since they were intimate. Damn those Death Eating bastards, she thought.
Smirking, Severus sauntered over to his wife. "I would prefer dessert, my dear, but as you wish..." His silky voice washed over her like warm liquid, further weakening her restraint. What was it that she had planned?
She looked up to begin her rehearsed speech only to find her husband standing less than a foot away. She struggled to remember what she was supposed to say. "Severus, I... er... I... uh... oh bugger it!" Grabbing the back of his neck, Hermione pulled her husband's face to hers, their lips meeting in a hungry kiss. Neither knew how much time passed before the warning bells sounded in Severus' head, reminding him they had plans for the evening. Plans his wife was unaware of at the moment.
"Hermione, my dear," he gasped, reluctantly pulling away, "I have something I wish to discuss with you."
Throwing her formal plans out the window, she smiled wickedly. "I'm all for a very deep... discussion... Severus."
His groin tightened at her implication. Dear Merlin was he going to have a tough time keeping his mind on task! Mentally he began revising his timetable to include a thorough seduction of his wife before they were due by the lake. "Perhaps now would be a good time to begin, then, Hermione."
Hermione shivered as his deep, seductive tone washed over her. She was no longer even attempting to keep her mind on the plan. Her eyes lighted on the buttons of his collar and she grinned. Pitching her voice to be as sensual as possible, she ran her hands up the front of the black wool coat. "Perhaps I might help you relax, Severus." Two can play that game, she thought.
Severus was suddenly struck with the realization that his scheme to get Hermione to marry him this very evening was being derailed. While he was not unhappy with the way things were going, he knew they needed to talk and hopefully agree to go through with the renewal. Although, considering his wife's behaviour, it was probably not going to be difficult to persuade her. Gently restraining her hand, he kissed it before pulling her to him, bringing his chin to rest among her unruly curls.
"Hermione, my darling, perhaps we should talk first."
She sighed contentedly, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Talk about what, Severus? This seems rather perfect to me."
A small, unrestrained smile made its way to his lips. "Indeed it is, my dear, but I had been hoping for a slightly different objective this evening."
She stepped back, eyeing him curiously. "Like what?"
Severus gave her a loving smile, and then dropped to his knees. Pulling out the small, black leather box, he flicked it open and presented it to her. Disregarding his pre-written monologue, he spoke instead from what was in his heart.
"Hermione, I regret every day I failed to tell you how much you meant to me once I came to realize it. I know I do not deserve the love you have bestowed upon me these past three years, but I ask you to allow me make it up to you every day for the rest of my life. I…" He held out his grandmother's ring. "This ring belonged to my grandmother Estaira Snape. She made me promise I would never give this ring to someone I did not truly love." His eyes met hers. "I found that love several years ago, but was too blind to see it. But no longer. Stay with me. Be my wife as we always dreamed it could be. Let me be the father to our child and devoted husband to you."
Tears sparkled in her eyes as emotions long restrained burst forth. After three years. After countless nights of anguish and suffering, she finally felt whole and loved by the man she chose to share her life. She threw herself in his arms with a joyous cry. "Yes! A thousand times yes!"
Completely disregarding the rest of his plan, Severus pulled his wife to him, intent upon demonstrating his love and devotion to her. Deep, passionate kisses lead to more intimate expressions of affection, and the two lovers spent the rest of the evening in bliss, completely unaware of the world outside each other.
Hermione sighed contentedly, pleased at how the evening turned out. Despite the fact that Severus seemed to have plans of his own, she was thrilled that they both had the same intentions. It was not quite what she had in mind – the house elves would no doubt be disappointed that their repast went completely untouched – but it was all worth it in the end. Now all they had to do was plan the wedding in less than two weeks.
"Severus?" she murmured.
His arms tightened around her. "Yes, my darling?"
"Where do you want to get married?"
"Was Hogwart's not a suitable choice, love?"
"Oh yes, it was wonderful! I just didn't think you would want something so elaborate the second time around."
Suddenly he stiffened and sat up. "No! No, I'm afraid I do not."
Confused, Hermione turned to face him. "I... okay, then. How about we do something more simplistic?"
Severus leaped to his feet. "Dear Merlin! What time is it?" A glance out the window produced a curse.
"Severus?" Hermione found herself being pulled up as the frantic wizard seized her hand and bolted for the baby's room. "Severus, what is going on?" He was silent as he dragged her into the unused chamber, dispelling the Avoidance Charm she sensed upon nearing the room.
"Quickly! You must get dressed! We're overdue by the lake!"
"What? Severus, what are you...?"
"No time! We're late!"
In a flash he was gone, racing toward their bedroom. Hermione shook her head at his odd behaviour. He must have had something else planned. Shaking her head in amusement, she stepped into the baby's room.
Her eyes widened as she took in the altered arrangement of the room. Instead of baby furniture and bright colors, she found a large, antique chest in the center of the room. Light produced by small, floating tea lights reflected off a large, gold-rimmed mirror on the wall. Hermione stepped forward to open the chest and was startled as the lid raised by itself and a beautiful white gown arose from inside. The dress was made of several layers of white chiffon over a loose chemise of radiant silk. Gold and silver ribbon accented the Empire waist and lined the cap sleeves and bottom of the skirt. Delicate white and gold roses decorated the sweetheart neckline, which ended with a larger, jeweled rose at the center point. Part of her mind noted that the rose itself was made of small rubies with emeralds for a trefoil of leaves.
Inside the chest was a matching pair of shoes, complete with the larger, jeweled rose; a delicate shawl woven of thin gold thread and white silk, accented with tiny rubies and emeralds, and a velvet box containing a necklace, bracelet, and earrings set in gold with a type of gem she had never seen before. It appeared red at one angle and green in the other. Eying the garb in wonder, she stepped forward to gently touch the fine overlay of the dress.
"It was made especially for you." She started as Severus' deep voice spoke from the shadows beyond the door. "Ginevra helped me pick the design of the dress and suggested certain alterations to make it suit you. I made the jewelry."
Hermione turned to face him, awed and a bit confused. "But... why?"
He gave her a wry smile. "I was hoping you would say yes. I thought it better to be prepared in the event that things went well, than assume the worst as I am accustomed to doing."
Smiling brilliantly, Hermione strode over to her husband and gave him a tight hug. "Good. Because I was not about to let you go after all we've been through. Especially knowing what you mean to me." She winked. "You're stuck with me..." She touched her belly. "...us, Severus."
He grinned and whirled her around, careful to avoid jarring her stomach. "Nothing shall ever give me greater joy, my love." He set her down. "Now if we are to be at least somewhat close to on time, perhaps you should get dressed."
Hermione looked at him questioningly.
"Our wedding, my dear. I thought perhaps midnight under the full moon would be the perfect time."
"But, it's not..."
"Never underestimate the powers of Albus Dumbledore, my dear." And the willful interference of certain mangy mutts and their friends, he thought.
Shooing him out the door, to his disappointment, Hermione excitedly began to dress, feeling a euphoria which was absent during their first wedding. A small box at the bottom of the chest revealed a beautiful diadem made of the same gold and red/green gems as her necklace set. The note with the box simply said, 'Wear me. G&D'. Touching the ornament to her hair, she was surprised when her hair magically smoothed and arranged itself into an intricate waterfall of curls atop her head. Only the shoes were left when there was a knock at the door.
"'Mione? You ready yet?" asked Harry, amusement evident in his voice. "I don't think Albus can hold the moon much longer."
With a flick of her wand, the door was open, revealing a now open-mouthed Harry Potter in formal robes. "Wow," he said. "You look... indescribably amazing." He held out his arm. "May I escort you to your father, m'lady?"
She laughingly took the preferred arm with a slight bow, ignoring the silent pain she saw in his eyes. Knowing Harry, he would never want her to know how he was feeling. Quickly reaching for a facetious comment, she said the first thing that came to mind. "It is my honor, oh Great Harry Potter, Destroyer of Evil Wizards."
"Wizard," he corrected, straightening his posture and adjusting his robes. "I only really destroyed Voldemort. The others went to Azkaban." She smiled at his grateful look.
"Or hell," she smirked. "Don't forget all those Death Eaters."
"Well this is a lovely topic for your wedding night," drawled Draco. He and his wife were waiting in the living room, which had been restored to its original configuration.
Hermione smiled joyfully. "Draco! Ginny! I'm glad you came."
"I suspect we're not the only ones," commented Draco snidely, eying the open bottle of champagne on the mantle.
Hermione blushed at the implication. "Uh... Where's Severus?"
Glaring sternly at her husband, Ginny stood and walked over to Hermione. "Out by the lake. You guys are running a little late..."
"A little..." snorted Draco.
"AND... we came to see if anything was wrong."
"As in if you or Severus decided to be idiots and were not going through with the wedding," said the former Slytherin with a smirk.
"Fortunately, we ran into Severus before we could embarrass you and ourselves by knocking at the door at an inopportune moment," continued Harry.
Draco looked at him, an awed look on his face. "Wow, Harry. I had no idea you were so articulate. Did you specifically look that up for a special occasion or has Hermione been beating you with a dictionary?"
"Ha. Ha," Harry said sourly. "Are we ready to go yet? I imagine Severus is getting pretty frantic right about now."
Ginny shrugged. "He can handle it."
Tugging Harry toward the door, Hermione gave the two Malfoys a tight smile. "Well, WE are going. You are welcome to join us if you can find the time. Come on, Harry." Not looking back, the two friends headed out to the lake.
The walk through Hogwart's was surprisingly comfortable. While Hermione still felt a small twinge of guilt about how Harry was feeling, she had finally come to peace with the fact that his love for her was enough to ensure he placed her happiness above his desire to be with her. She only hoped he would find someone to complete his life the same way she had someday. Hopefully he knew how much she appreciated his love and support over the years.
"'Mione?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"I'm glad you're finally happy."
She paused before the great doors, turning to face him. "Thank you, Harry. For everything. You've been..."
"Your best friend." He smiled. "As I should be." He waved his hand.
The heavy doors creaked open, moonlight streaming into the dark castle. In the distance, she could see the tall shape of her true love, next to the forms of Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, her parents, the Malfoys, and, to her surprise, all the Weasleys. Luna was standing serenely by her husband, who seemed to be fidgeting nervously.
Glancing at Harry, she nodded, ready to step into the bright future before her.
FINIS.
Well, that's the end. Thank you so much for allowing me to take you on this brief sojourn into an alternative world of the Harry Potter universe. Again, I glad JKR created this wonderful world to play in, and that you were nice enough to stick through my terrible lack of updates to the end. I have enjoyed it greatly, and hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it.
This is, unfortunately, going to be my last story for a long time. As you can tell from the large time between updates, I have been crazy busy and it's been a challenge to write anything, much less something good enough to post. Maybe once I finish school I'll have more time. Thanks again, and farewell for now!